Even with a high level fight cancellation, we’re treated to a tightly focused card with action at the forefront.
Invicta had a great night with their second iteration of the Phoenix Rising series, and now has a nifty event that’s going under the radar.
The original main event for this card was to be a scrap between atomweight champion Jinh Yu Frey and Ashley Cummins, but that got scratched due to an injury to Frey. The new headliner shouldn’t disappoint, though. Former UFC fighter Pearl Gonzalez (9-4) has hit a new stride and arguably arrived at her peak, and she’ll have a hefty challenge against BJJ ace Brogan Walker-Sanchez (6-0). Walker-Sanchez has made the most of her time in Invicta, with wins against Cheri Muraski and recent Phoenix Rising tournament winner Miranda Maverick.
Kay Hansen (4-3) brings her dogged grappling style and determination back to the Invicta cage after winning her reserve bout at Phoenix Rising 2. She’ll be welcoming Nicolle Caliari to the promotion, as she’ll be trying to test those hands after a two-year hiatus. It should be noted that Caliari unfortunately missed weight, and will be forfeiting 25% of her purse. She was the only fighter on the card that did not make weight.
Marilia Santos (10-3) didn’t get her way on Contender Series earlier this year, but wants to turn things around with funky striking and a wild style. Santos is facing a big challenge here against Kazakh finisher Mariya Agapova (7-1).
Striker Shino VanHoose (6-5) makes her way back to Invicta, stepping in against the tenacious Lindsey VanZandt. You may remember VanZandt as the fighter that upset Japanese Shootbox princess Rena Kubota earlier this year, and had a monster finish in Bellator.
Felicia Spencer’s friend and training partner Megan Cawley (3-2 amateur, 0-1 pro) tries to even out her record against heavy hitter Hope Chase (4-0 amateur, 1-1 pro) at bantamweight.
You can check out the weigh-ins right here (sorry, kids – embeds aren’t allowed for this one).
Full card is as follows:
Pearl Gonzalez (125.7) vs. Brogan Sanchez (125.5) – Flyweight
Mariya Agapova (125.9) vs. Marilia Santos (125.5) – Flyweight
Kay Hansen (116) vs. Nicolle Caliari (116.2)* – Strawweight
Shino VanHoose (106) vs. Lindsey VanZandt (105.3) – Atomweight
Linda Mihalec (105.5) vs. Marisa Messer-Belenchia (106) – Atomweight
Megan Cawley (135.6) vs. Hope Chase (135.8) – Bantamweight
Invicta FC 37: Gonzalez vs Sanchez takes place this Friday night at 8:00pm EST, airing live exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.